Privilege escalation in Microsoft Windows Win32k

1) Use-after-free

EUVDB-ID: #VU15249

Risk: Medium

CVSSv3.1: 8.4 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-8453

CWE-ID: CWE-416 - Use After Free

Exploit availability: Yes

Description

The vulnerability allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a use-after free error in win32kfull!xxxDestroyWindow Win32k component. A local user can run a specially crafted application, trigger memory corruption and execute arbitrary code in kernel mode.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Note: the vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Windows: 7 - 10 1809

Windows Server: 2008 - 2019 1803

External links

http://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2018-8453
http://securelist.com/cve-2018-8453-used-in-targeted-attacks/88151/

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.